Pregnancy is an amazing, beautiful and life-changing event. However, some changes happen to your body during and after pregnancy.
Hormones, or specifically changes in your hormone levels during pregnancy, are responsible for all the changes that occur while you're pregnant. Because all pregnancies and women are different, you may experience some or many of the common changes during and after pregnancy.
Read on to become familiar with five common changes you may experience during and after pregnancy.
Hair and Skin
During pregnancy, your hair grows exceptionally well and doesn't fall out at the rate it may have before. However, after having your baby, you may start losing it faster than before. We know this can be frightening, but don’t worry; your hair loss will slow down significantly after your hormones reset.
Other changes you may experience in your body during pregnancy are:
- Assorted aches and pains
- Changes in your vision
- Chloasma or melasma: Commonly called a pregnancy mask marked by dark patches that appear on the face or neck
- Gums that bleed more than normal
- Heartburn
- Increased acne
- Linea nigra: Commonly referred to as a pregnancy line appearing on the abdomen between the naval and pubic bone
- Nosebleeds or congestion
- Skin rashes
These are all normal changes to be expected during and after pregnancy, but if you feel something is wrong, it’s important to visit your doctor immediately.
Weight Gain
During pregnancy, your body prepares for worst-case scenarios and will add a protective layer of fat that can be burned if food isn't readily available. We know this can be challenging, but it’s completely normal and expected to gain weight while you carry your little one.
As a result of quick weight gain, you may develop stretch marks. Many lotions may claim to help prevent stretch marks, but it comes down to your genetics. If you develop them, don’t worry — they should fade over time.
Breast Changes
Along with your healthy weight gain during pregnancy, you'll notice your breasts enlarging in preparation for breastfeeding your baby. Whether you plan to breastfeed or not, your body will take the same steps to prepare. You may also notice that your areolas have darkened in color. This is due to your increased hormone levels, and they will likely go back to their previous color in time.
Mental Health
Hormones affect both your body and mind during and after pregnancy. After your baby is born, you may experience postpartum depression or anxiety. Many women go through this difficult transition with differing levels of severity. While postpartum depression can be frightening and isolating, remember that it’s a common experience for many women and you’re not alone.
The symptoms of postpartum depression play out similarly to other forms of depression but can be tricky since you and your baby’s safety is top priority. Postpartum depression should be treated by a professional. If you suspect you're experiencing postpartum depression, please don’t hesitate to seek care. Our expert care teams welcome you with open arms and are ready to provide you with the whole-person care you deserve.
Pelvic Health
Vaginally giving birth can put a lot of tension on your pelvic muscles. Physical therapy in the early stages and throughout pregnancy can prepare you for birth through training and exercise.
C-sections also pose the risk of injuring your pelvic muscles. If left untreated, the damage to your pelvic muscles can lead to urinary incontinence, difficulty having a bowel movement and even pelvic organ prolapse.
However, training with us early in your pregnancy can help you maintain strength through exercises that will put less stress on you and your baby during labor and make for an easier, shorter delivery. Starting physical therapy early in pregnancy will also help you recover faster after your baby’s birth.
Physical therapy should ideally carry on into your postpartum care to help you get back to your normal routines and help you care for your little one. Our physical therapists care for you in the safest way possible with your privacy in mind.
Your Ever-Present Partner
We believe in the whole health and well-being of you and your baby from conception to birth and beyond. We're committed to providing you with the best care available. Visit us here to learn more about our mother and baby care or request an appointment. You have what it takes, and we’re with you every step of the way.
